Book Of Discipline Analysis

Scriptures- United Methodist share with other Christian faith community that scriptures is the primary sources in which we base our decision-making. We believe that through scriptures we see Christ because the scriptures is Christ. Apostle Paul says “ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for training in righteousness.” In all our decision making one must rely on the scriptures for guidance. Scriptures is a sources of life and wisdom from God for all mankind and especially us who are faithful to God. In Scriptures, we find love, forgiveness, faith, and hope for example, we find in 1 Corinthians

Then, the authority of scripture and its a priori usage is presented. Scripture provides a positive a priori, which is information that is useful when approaching new experiences (98) and negative a priori, which is that which provides boundaries to our understandings (102). Furthermore, our interpretation of scripture is monitored by reason. Reason (as logic) is necessary for a correct interpretation of scripture to Wesley (110). Without it, we would be unable to acquire tools for proper interpretation of scripture.

In the study of Christian theology, scripture plays an essential role in the revelation of the Doctrine of God. Scriptures are “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) words, written by the Holy Spirit through divine inspiration of prophets. They are necessary for the proper understanding of the doctrine of God, the self-revelation of God, the proof of God’s existence, and for the discernment of false doctrines.

Under resources, Green states that theological disciplines must be put back together. This would include seminary curricula and the “practices of Christian formation such as corporate worship, instruction, prayer and hospitality” (63). To help with the task of putting these disciplines back together Green points to some needed resources (65). First, reading Scripture must be ecclesially located. “For those seriously interested, an important practice is to cultivate interpreting Scripture with others who share the posture of standing under” (66). Standing under implies that the bible based material need their origin and structuring inside the community of God’s people (66). Second, reading Scripture must be theologically shaped in making sure that the old Testament and New Testament interpretation is incomprehensible without each other (79). Thirdly, reading Scripture must be seriously involved in discerning the varieties of possible readings of other biblical texts (89). Lastly, reading Scripture must be Spirit filled. “To invite the Holy Spirit into the interpretive process is to deny our autonomy as readers of

Fundamentally, the role of the Baptist Faith and Message was to adopt statements that would “clarify the atmosphere and remove some causes of misunderstanding, friction, and apprehension” These confessions of faith were implemented to confirm repentance to God, perpetuate faith in Jesus Christ, and fulfil the Great Commission. Further, the statements are intended to clarify and provide guidance of the basic beliefs that stands as the foundation of the Baptist’s faith, witness, and worship. As an autonomous body, the local congregation is considered to be independent in its faith and fellowship of the gospel.

Pentecost is known as the birthday of the church as it marks the beginning of fearless Christian pursuit to spread the Good News of salvation of Jesus in 33AD. After Jesus’ death, disciples had the fear of being alone in the battle to spread the message of Jesus. This is one obstacle that is apparent of being one of the largest barriers in the church’s development. On the day of Pentecost, Jesus’ disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit in the form of a lingering light above their heads, after they gathered Jerusalem. This Holy Spirit allowed them to speak

Calvary’s unashamedly celebrate our history and our heritage. Not that we view the hard work of our pioneers then as just another excuse for us to party now. Rather, we celebrate God's goodness to us in our history, to fortify us for the immense challenge of our future. Some theologian once defined tradition as 'the life of the Holy Spirit in the church.' Looking at our history helps us to see what the Holy Spirit has been saying to us and doing among us through the years. We discern in the continuities of our heritage something of God's purpose for us as a church. The Bible tells us that 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever' (Hebrews 13:8). It's about some of these continuities - the distinctive characteristics of First Mt. Calvary- Speak today. Today we pay tribute to all who have labored in and for First Mt. Calvary throughout its history. We Are a unique church, combining many elements rarely seen in a single congregation. We are excited at what God is doing among us, calling us to act locally, think globally. So above all, today, we praise God for his steadfast love and mighty deeds. ‘Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory’ (Psalm

Sunday February 7, 2016 Gorge Mason University Religious studies class attended a church meeting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) or commonly known as the Mormon church. The church meeting was broken up into three hours. The first hour was the sacrament meeting and announcements from the bishop. This hour was unique because it was the first Sunday of the month. Which is fast and testimony Sunday and members of the church fast for 24 hours to get revelation or to remember and scarifies something like eating for Jesus Christ. The second hour was Gospel principles where we talked about Joseph Smiths first vision. And lastly the third meeting males and females are separated to ether relief society

From morning to night, the family shoots out the door in a dozen different directions, only greeting in the passing. Other families view one day the same as the next with little regard to holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays. All these events are downplayed and “they feel it’s silly to make a big deal out of the fourth of July or New Year’s.” (p. 141) Healthy families understand the importance of celebration. The author uses examples from the Old and New Testament of how God uses celebration to be a special time for the family and nation. Most of the celebrations included worship, which elevated man from just a working person to one who praised his Creator. This same example needs to be remembered in the church today for it to be healthy. The author uses an example of a special Easter service in which a multi-media presentation followed his message. “It was marvelous time. We didn’t just use the word celebrate, we actually did it! And it felt good.” (p.

Looking into John Wesley's "From A Plain Account of a Christian Perfection," we see that Wesley is considering various questions regard to specific religious doctrines and ideologies. The account starts off by stating that a there is a multi body conference present (page 115). The text then mentions that there where additional individuals present on a later date that "did not believe" in the doctrine(s) previous established (page 116). What is the significance in reviewing and possibly changing previous doctrines to suit the masses? Should this type of "democracy" be allowed in religion - should there be a certain measure of give and take to appeal all? In this specific account who gets the "finial word" and what justifies this body on individual's

Anderson uses a three-prong approach to explain his theological approach to modern Christianity. The first prong is the shape of practical theology. The goal of this section is not to merely describe the skills and methods that people use to engage in theology, but to look at practical theology as a meaningful way to grow one's relationship with God and one's understanding of Scripture. In this section, Anderson introduces the concept of practical theology, talks about the discipline of practical theology, a Trinitarian model of practical theology, looking

John Wesley’s discourse, “The Means of Grace,” expresses the expedient of grace as, “outward signs, language, or actions ordained of God, and appointed for this end— to be the ordinary channels whereby he might impart to men preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace.” Acknowledging his need and proceeding in his evangelization, Wesley could obtain the grace he needed to have both the potency and placidity that was eluding from his religion. God utilized his perpetuated participation in the ministry of Scripture to proclaim faith in Christ into Wesley’s philosophy.

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral affirms four valid sources of theology: scripture, reason, tradition and experience. "Scripture is considered the primary source and standard for Christian doctrine. Tradition is experience and the witness of development and growth of the faith through the past centuries and in many nations and cultures. Experience is the individual's understanding and appropriating of the faith in the light of his or her own life. Through reason the individual Christian brings

In Baptist history there has always been differences in doctrine. This has unfortunately resulted, at times, to separate believers from one another. This can be evident from comparing two American Baptist confessions. The most notable difference in doctrine between The Philadelphia Confession of 1742 and A Treatise on the Faith of the Free Will Baptists, 1834 and 1948 is the doctrine of Calvinism versus free-will. The Philadelphia Confession supported Calvinism and the Free Will Baptists supported Arminianism. A closer look at these two confessions show that throughout Baptist history certain doctrines remain constant while others are debated and cause separation of believers. However, this has not stopped the Gospel message to be preached

This Sunday on the Religious Calendar is Pentecost Sunday!!! What in the world is Pentecost??? The word “ Pentecost” designates the 50th day after Passover, which was a Feast Day. Also known as the Feast of Weeks or Feast of Harvest. It was on this day, in the Book of Acts, that the Holy Spirit was poured out on 120 Followers of Christ who were gathered in an Upper Room in Jerusalem. It was on